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Columbus is the capital city of Ohio and the largest city in the state, with a thriving and diverse Midwestern economy. Those needing a break from the hustle and bustle of the metropolitan lifestyle can find many options for a two-night getaway within a 60-mile radius of downtown. From cabins in the Appalachians to culturally distinct historic villages, opportunities to escape are readily available.

Hocking Hills

About an hour southeast of Columbus, the Hocking Hills area lies in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, providing accessible two-night getaways. Cabins, cottages and bed-and-breakfast inns are scattered among forests, creeks and meadows, with nature's bounty to explore. The 140-acre Glenlaurel Scottish Country Inn (glenlaurel.com) is located in Rockbridge, with a private gorge, hiking trails, hot tubs and fireplaces. Lodging is in suites, chalets or cottages, while onsite amenities include a golf course, spa and wellness center. Clear Creek Ridge Cabins (clearcreekridgecabins.com) provide secluded log homes with rustic furniture, full kitchens, wood-burning fireplaces, hot tubs and outdoor fire rings.

Rail Getaways

The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway offers a chance to go back in time, with diesel-powered journeys on vintage trains and coaches from the 1920s through the 1970s. Journeys traverse the terrain along the Hocking River and southeastern Ohio, with a stop in an 1840s pioneer log village. Trains depart from the Nelsonville Depot, 53 miles from Columbus, with an opportunity to stay overnight at the Mead House Bed & Breakfast Inn (nelsonvillebedandbreakfast.com). It is located just 3 blocks from the depot and one block from the historic Nelsonville Public Square, an arts district with cafes, galleries, two opera houses and a farmer's market.

Irish Adventure

The city of Dublin, about 15 minutes southeast of Columbus, welcomes visitors with a motto of "Irish is an Attitude." With lively Irish festivals, dozens of Irish pubs, Celtic cultural shops and 14 hotels, it's easy to escape for a two-night getaway. The town's visitor center (irishisanattitude.com) sponsors several packages, including the "Dublin Damsels Discovery Adventure: A Girl’s Getaway," with choices to visit a tea room, make your own jewelry and candles, sample imported olives and coffees, then relax with a massage, gourmet dinner and exotic cocktails. Other getaway packages feature Irish learning experiences such as playing a penny whistle or fiddle, Irish step dancing, storytelling, and sampling Irish teas, wines and spirits.

Urban Getaway

For a two-night getaway within the metropolitan Columbus area, German Village offers a chance to experience Bavarian culture without the need to travel abroad. Just a few minutes from the downtown district, visitors can escape everyday life with pedestrian-friendly avenues and bike paths, ponds, parks and gardens in an historic 1800s village. The entire town is listed on the National Historic Register, due to the extensive preservation of Italianate architecture in this former working-class village. The German Village Guest House (gvguesthouse.com) provides a way to be immersed in the customs and ambiance for a few days, with guest rooms and suites within waking distance of shops, galleries and cafes. Adjacent to German Village, guests can sample German beer and food in the Brewery District.

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About the Author

Wendy K. Leigh is a travel writer and photojournalist from Seattle. She is the Editor of Islands America, a travel website for visiting islands within the United States. She also writes about home design, food and historical architecture. Leigh holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Washington.

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